2019 Christmas and Holiday Events in Miami

Ho! Ho! Ho! Stringing our lights around the palm trees and Santa is getting ready to surf!

Christmas in Miami is about enjoying the sunshine and gorgeous breezy weather!

And to get into the spirit, our regular events are back with plenty of lights, shiny ornaments and holiday cheer.

As in all public holidays, government offices, schools, post offices, banks and public libraries will close on Christmas Day. Many restaurants remain open and offer special celebratory meals, brunches, dinners, cocktails...

And this is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous "winter" weather. Migrating birds and hybernating manatees have arrived, this is a good time for a visit to the Everglades, enjoy the beautiful wildlife or a thrilling airboat ride! Please note that some parks will be closed on Christmas Day.

Here are this year's most popular Christmas and Holiday Season events and celebrations in Miami:

Christmas Festivals, Fairs, Parades, Tree Lightings...

• Santa's Enchanted Forest - October 31, 2019 - January 5, 2020
• Christmas Tree Lighting at Bayfront Park - November 29, 2019
• Pembroke Pines Snowfest - TBA early December
• Winter Wonderland at North Shore Open Space Park - TBA
• Annual Magical Snowfall at Dolphin Mall - TBA normally end of November and through December
• Jungle Island's Luminosa! Festival of Lights - October 5, 2019 - January 8, 2020
• Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade - December 14, 2019
• Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade at Bayfront Park - TBA Saturday Mid-December
• Christmas With The Chimps At Lion Country Safari - TBA
• Santa On The Beach at Ft. Lauderdale Beach - TBA
• Zoo Lights and Gifts for the Animals at Zoo Miami - TBA Late November and through December
• Winterland at the Farm - TBA mid-December through early January

And in the Holiday Entertainment Calendar

• A Christmas Story: The Musical - December 13 - 29, 2019 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• The Italian-Jewish Christmas Show: Jessica Kirson - December 21, 2019 at Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
• Cirque du Soleil Alegria - December 21, 2019 - January 26, 2020 at the Grand Chapiteau at Hard Rock Stadium
• Miami City Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker - December 7 - 24, 2018 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center and the Au Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker - December 30, 2019 at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater Miami Beach
• Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert - December 31, 2018 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, Pompano Beach

Christmas Services

• Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Services - Midnight Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church - December 14 and 15, 2018

Where To Stay, Dine, Party

• Best Christmas Hotels For Spending The Holidays in Miami Top picks for staying in Miami over Christmas and their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinners, Brunches, Kids Events, Santa Visits...
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner in Miami

And check out this year's New Year's Eve Holiday events in Miami.

Christmas Festivals, Fairs, Parades, Tree Lightings...

Santa's Echanted Forest

The largest Christmas-Themed Amusement Park and Carnival is back with its 3 million lights, 92" christmas tree, and the carnival rides for little ones and those wanting a little more extreme.

Located in the heart of Miami in Tropical Park, you will no doubt see the lights from the highway as you drive past.

It is a huge sprawling lively event, just coming to see the lights is worth the trip. Tons of entertainment for kids and families round it all up. There are the many live shows, games, magic acts, mazes, all sorts of rides, from carrousels to roller coasters and drop towers and of course, the carnival food!

When? October 31, 2019 - January 5, 2020 - 5:00pm to Midnight
Where? Tropical Park, on the Palmetto (SR826) and Bird Road (40th Street) 7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155
How Much? TBA, last year Adults (10-64) $33.64, Children (3-9) $24.30, Seniors (65+) $24.30 Season and express passes available.

More Info: Santa's Enchanted Forest

Christmas Tree Lighting at Bayfront Park

The official kick off to the holiday season in downtown Miami takes place the day after Thanksgiving as Bayfront Park unveils its 50-foot tree covered with glittering lights.

The countdown to the tree lighting is accompanied by cheery holiday music, so come and take a break from the shopping and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

When? Friday, November 29, 2019, tree lighting at 7:00 pm
Where? Bayfront Park 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
Where to Park?: There is limited, paid parking at Bayfront Park. You can also park at Bayside Marketplace nextdoor or take the Metrorail to the Government Center Station then transfer to the Metromover Inner Loop to Bayfront Park.
How Much? FREE!

More info, Directions and Parking: www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

Pembroke Pines Snowfest and Christmas Tree Lighting

Walking in a Winter Wonderland!!! 75 tons of snow, a visit with Santa, reindeer games, rides, arts and crafts, strolling holiday characters, musical performances and of course Santa's Workshop and Toy Land.

And don't miss the 30-ft Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 pm at the Plaza.

When? TBA Saturday in early December - 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Where? Charles F. Dodge City Center at 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines
How Much? Tickets required for snow area only $5, children under 2 free, accompanying adults do not require tickets. You can get tickets in advance for $4 at several Pembroke Pines locations. See below for more info.

More info: www.ppines.com or call 954-392-2116

Winter Wonderland at North Shore Open Space Park

Don't miss the 50 tons of snow at the snow village, lots of carnival rides, games and music.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also make a visit from the North Pole for picture-taking, tree lighting ceremony, christmas caroling and more.

When? TBA - 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Where? North Shore Open Space Park at 8101 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141
How Much? Tickets required for carnival rides and concessions.

More info: www.miamibeachfl.gov

Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade

Sailboats, Yachts, Barges, Gondolas, Kayaks... ANYTHING that floats, all decked up with thousands of lights and a merry spirit, traversing the waters of the intracoastal, what could be more fun this holiday season?!

On its 48th year, the Winterfest Boat Parade has become one of the most awaited events, this year the Ft. Lauderdale shoreline will be coming alive once again.

Some fantastic entries and surprises in the past have included a floating bus, the Galleria Mall reindeer barge, a fire truck, Mickey and Minnie... can't wait for this year's parade!

When?: Saturday December 14, 2019 - sails at 6:30 p.m. ends approximately 10:30 p.m.
Where?: Intracoastal Waterway from Ft. Lauderdale to Pompano Beach. Parade starts at the New River where parading boats will be lining up west from Stranahan House to the Performing Arts Center, then move along towards the Intracoastal where they start heading up. Parade ends just south of Atlantic Blvd, at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach
How Much?: Free along parade route, Grandstand viewing areas available at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park where reserved seating can be purchased in advance: adults $25, children under 10 $20. Add $5 for shuttle, you park your car at the Galleria Mall and a shuttle will bring you to the designated area at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.

Entry to the park if not viewing from the Grandstand is $5. There will be no parking inside the park on the day of the parade, so either walk-in, or take the Park and Ride shuttle for $5 per person. The gates open at 3:30 pm, so bring your beach chair

Great spots to catch the parade is at one of the many bridges over the intracoastal at:

• Las Olas Boulevard
• Sunrise Boulevard
• Oakland Park Boulevard
• Commercial Boulevard

More info: Winterfest Boat Parade

Magical Snowfall at Dolphin Mall

Miami's winter wonderland is back this year. To help bring on the magical flurry, Dolphin Mall will be giving away enchanted wands to children under the age of 12 (while supplies last). At the start of each nightly snowfall, young magicians are encouraged to wave their wands around to unleash the blizzard and create the glistening winter wonderland.

In addition, while you're at the mall, you can visit Santa and become a flight crew at Santa's Flight Academy.

When? TBA normally end of November and through December at 7:00 pm, additional snowfall at 9:00 pm Thursdays through Sundays. No blizzard on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Where? The Ramblas Plaza at Dolphin Mall
How Much? FREE! Wands will be distributed to participating families 30 minutes prior to start of each nightly snowfall, first come first served.

More info: www.shopdolphinmall.com

Luminosa! Festival of Lights

A Chinese Lantern Festival with a very Miami tropical twist! Taking place in Jungle Island where 13 acres of the park's environs will be decked out with humongous brightly lit silk lanterns featuring four different themes portraying the diverse animal and plant life found in the park. Certainly a fantastic way to explore wildlife and adventure in a new light.

Starting October 5, 2019 and running through early January 2020, the exhibits will be a very festive addition to the holidays!

When? October 5, 2019 - January 8, 2020 - 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where? Jungle Island at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, Florida 33132
How Much? Adults $38.50, Children $33.00 $30.80

More Info, tickets & early bird discounts: Luminosa! Festival of Lights

Miami Outboard Club's Annual Holiday Boat Parade

What?: Over 50 boats all decked up in holiday gear and parading in the waters of Biscayne Bay...
Food Vendors, Bounce House, DJ at Bayfront Park, the official viewing site
Fireworks Show!
When?: TBA, normally Saturday mid-December - 7:00 pm, Fireworks at 9:00 pm
Where?: Official viewing site is Bayfront Park
Parade Route: The parade will begin at the Miami Outboard Club continuing along Government Cut towards Downtown Miami, passing the Miami Children Museum, Bayside and Bayfront Park. The parade route will turn around at Brickell Key, once again passing Bayfront Park, Bayside, and then American Airlines Arena.
How Much?: FREE. The Club will be collecting new unwrapped toys to be donated to the children of the City Of Miami, donations can be made at The Miami Outboard Club and various sponsor retail locations.

More Info Here: www.mocholidayboatparade.com

Christmas With The Chimps At Lion Country Safari

What?: Santa Claus visits the chimpanzees at Lion Country Safari's Chimp Islands, bearing wrapped gifts for the chimps. This is the only opportunity throughout the entire year that guests can get out of their vehicles (at the chimp islands) to watch the chimps receive presents!
When?: Thursday December 20, 2018 starting at 10:30 am (arrive by 9:30am to allow time to get through the preserve)
Where?: Lion Country Safari
How Much?: Adult $35, Senior $31.50, Child (3-9) $26, Parking $8

More Info www.lioncountrysafari.com

Santa On The Beach at Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Yes it's Christmas in the sand! Don't miss this year's Santa's traditional candy giveaway along Fort Lauderdale Beach!

With twinkling eyes and smiling faces, Santa and his elves will begin spreading holiday cheer along Fort Lauderdale Beach Park distributing candy canes with glee.

When?: TBA - Motorcade with Santa begins at noon and expected to arrive at Ft. Lauderdale Beach at 12:45 p.m.
Where?: 600 Seabreeze Boulevard (Promenade just north of Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park)
Parade Route: The motorcade will begin at the Ft. Lauderdale Police Headquarters and proceed towards the Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub at Las Olas and A1A.
How Much?: FREE!

More Info Here: Santa On The Beach

Zoo Lights and Holiday Gifts For The Animals at Zoo Miami

It's that magical time of the year as the park transforms into a fabulous array of shimmering trees and dazzling (animal-shaped of course) lights that adorn every corner of this fantastic animal kingdom.

And during the day, the best part is watching all our fluffy fellows open their Christmas presents...

What else? Carousel rides, photo with Santa, cookies and hot cocoa... (additional fees)

When?: TBA Gifts with the Animals: check for the daily schedule
Zoo Lights Every Friday and Saturday from late November through end of December - 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where?: Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
How Much?: Gifts for the Animals is Free with Zoo Admission. Check Zoo Miami website for schedule.
Zoo Lights: $9.95 plus tax

More Info Here: www.zoomiami.org

Winterland at the Farm

With this 60-degree weather, what better way to warm up and get ready into the holiday spirit with family and friends than with some Snow, Holiday Treats, Hot chocolate and much more while you can meet Santa Claus, Nix the Snowman and Sprinkle the Gingerbread Cookie at a beautiful illuminated Forest.

Holiday treats, hay rides, face painting, paddleboat rides, Santa, pony rides, and many more activities for kids!

When?: TBA - Mid-December through early January
Where?: Pinto Farm at 14890 SW 216 Street, Miami, FL 33170
How Much?: Winterland Unlimited $19 includes paddle boat rides, hay rides, pony rides, race track, petting zoo. Groupon 2 for $29.

More info: www.pintofarm.com

This Year's Holiday Entertainment Calendar, Concerts and Musicals

A Christmas Story: The Musical

When? December 13 - 29, 2019

Where? Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

How Much? ›› Find A Christmas Story Tickets

Cirque du Soleil Alegria

When? December 21, 2019 - January 26, 2020

Where? The Grand Chapiteau at Hard Rock Stadium

How Much? ›› Find Cirque du Soleil Alegria Tickets
Check out Groupon Deals from $44

Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker

The holiday tradition you love will become even more magical...

A vibrant and animated winter wonderland comes to life, featuring appearances by The Sugarplum Fairy, toy soldiers, and mischievous mice, all while retaining George Balanchine's iconic choreography and Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

Two South Florida locations:

When? TBA
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? You can get discount tickets for The Nutcracker at Goldstar, $45-$125 $35 - $75, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!

When? TBA
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much? You can get discount tickets for The Nutcracker at Goldstar, $50-$99 $38 - $75, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

One of the world's most magical adaptations of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker pirouettes its way into The Fillmore Miami Beach with close to 40 renowned dancers that bring to life the timeless story of young Masha (Clara), who receives the gift of a nutcracker one Christmas Eve and dreams that night of a grand adventure with her Nutcracker Prince.

Filled with larger-than-life puppets and nesting dolls, handmade Victorian-style costumes, gasp-inducing special effects and sets created by La La Land designer Carl Sprague, this perennial favorite is sure to cast its seasonal spell over the whole family.

When? Monday December 30, 2019 - 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Where? The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater
How Much? ›› Find Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Tickets
›› Limited time and selling fast! Great Russian Nutcracker Tickets at Groupon - Best Seats Orchestra or Mezzanine $125.50 $39

Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert

Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert recreates the beauty of Vienna's golden era and this year's concert will feature a brilliant new program of Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from beloved operettas performed by acclaimed European singers, champion ballroom dancers, ballet, and live symphony orchestra.

The first effortless notes of the eternal Blue Danube Waltz will welcome you into a triumphant 2019!

Two South Florida performances:

When? Saturday December 28, 2019 - 8:00 pm
Where? Adrienne Arsht Center Miami
How Much? ›› Find Salute To Vienna Tickets in Miami

When? Monday December 31, 2019 - 7:00 pm
Where? Coral Springs Center For The Arts at 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33065
How Much? ›› Find Salute To Vienna Tickets in Coral Springs

Christmas Services

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Services

Bright poinsettias, twinkling lights, wonderful nativity scenes, children caroling and the fragrance of firs and incense filling the church, the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass has been a beautiful tradition for as long as I can remember. All our places of worship and the communities go out of their way to welcome and share in the spirit and purpose of the Christmas celebrations.

Here are some places you can attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in Miami

• Saint Patrick Catholic Church - 3716 Garden Avenue, Miami Beach 33140
  Phone (305) 531-1124
  Christmas Eve Midnight Mass: Multi-Lingual
  Christmas Day:
  English: 8:00 am, 9:30am, 11:00am
  Spanish: 12:30pm, 7:00pm
  More Info

• Church of the Little Flower 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables 33134
  Phone (305) 446-9950
  Chritmas Eve Cantata: 11:30 pm
  Christmas Eve Midnight Mass: Bi-Lingual
  Christmas Day:
  English: 9:00am, 10:30am, 5:30pm
  Spanish: 12:30pm
  More Info

The Annual Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church

Let's herald the Christmas season with a live, open-air reenactment of the Christmas Story.

Featuring live camels, donkeys, goats and sheep, along with an innovative mix of digital and live-action characters, including Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the prophets, angels, the Wise Men and more!

This spectacular depiction, complete with narration, digital projections and a choir, is fun for the entire family!

When? TBA normally weekend in mid-December - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where? Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, 602 NE 96th Street, Miami Shores, FL 33138
How Much? FREE and open to the public. Volunteers for set up and spot participants: angels, shepherds, villagers, etc. welcome!

More Info: Miami Shores Presbyterian Church or call (305) 754-9541

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Memories!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner in Miami - 2019 TBA

• Miami Eater's The 10 Best Bets for Christmas Eve Dinner in Miami
• Miami.com's Where to eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• Miami New Times Christmas: Miami Restaurant Guide
• Miami New Times: Miami's Best Christmas Day Brunches

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